SHU Students Hack the Constitution in Annual Event
BY HUNTER SANCETTA Staff Writer
Hack the Constitution, an event hosted by the Sacred Heart University Political Science and Global Affairs Department, was held on Sept. 17. Students presented their Constitution “hacks” to a room full of faculty and peers.
The competing students shared their ideas regarding the best course of action to change the United States Constitution. A panel of three judges and audience members then asked follow-up questions.
“This is part of the University’s celebration of Constitution Day, so our primary goal is to draw attention to the continued relevance and importance of the U.S. Constitution,” said Dr. Steven Michels, Political Science and Global Affairs Department Chair.
“We’re also hoping to highlight the way in which our government and politics could be improved.”
With multiple topics of discussion, each student had a different justification for their proposals.
“When thinking about the surrounding question on revising the Constitution, I mainly
considered how old it actually is. I felt like there was definitely deep-rooted conflict in comparison to our modern-day world,” said sophomore and competitor Aaid Maram.
Maram ended up winning the event and took several factors into consideration when forming her hacks.
Big Red Wants You to Vote
BY SAMANTHA MADIGAN Staff Writer
As the 2024 Presidential election looms closer, Sacred Heart University is taking action to encourage voter registration among students.
In addition to campus organizations such as the Pioneer Vote club, the university seeks to promote voting through Get Out the Vote (GOTV) organization and a No Vote: No Voice registration drive that took place on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m on 63’s lawn.
The No Vote: No Voice event provided paper ballots for student use and offered logo bracelets as an incentive for attendance.
Sacred Heart is offers different initiatives around campus that promote education and open conversation about politics, such as clubs like SHU College
Democrats, SHU College Republicans and Pioneer Vote.
“Pioneer Vote is a bipartisan organization dedicated to educating students on the importance of civic engagement. We foster a judgment-free zone no matter your political beliefs,” said senior Rebecca Brower, President of Pioneer Vote.
Brower explained that although Connecticut is a blue state, students with opposing opinions should not consider that an excuse not to vote.
“Connecticut may be a blue state now, but it might not always be. If people don’t vote, we will never see any positive change or accurate representation. We all get a say in the decisions being made in the country,” Brower said.
It isn’t just student-run
“One of the main aspects that brought up the idea was the current election. Everyone I spoke to felt like they had no choice but to choose who they hated less or not vote at all because they felt like their vote wouldn’t make a difference,” said Maram. “Essentially it all led to my idea of updating term limits to have a wider spectrum of opportunity for more leaders to act in representing the people.”
Maram credits some of her arguments to the cultural and social shifts present in the U.S.
“Our society is constantly evolving, so the people who are meant to represent us should also reflect that and mirror our ever-changing environment,” Maram said. Maram may have been the winner of the competition, but the other three students presented their arguments with conviction, as well.
Sophomore Olivia Yessis and junior Elle Yurkstas were the only pair to participate in Hack the Constitution as a team.
“When making my ‘hack’ I wanted to
What Is A Colloquium Anyway?
BY ALANNA PARRILLO Staff Writer
Sacred Heart University’s Human Journey Colloquia Series for the fall semester is scheduled to begin on Oct. 2 in SHU’s Martire Center Loris Forum.
The series occurs weekly and offers students intellectual conversations that often feature guest speakers. Topics discussed in the series include subjects relevant to college students and the world in general.
“The Colloquia are intended to accompany the Seminars to demonstrate to students how the Catholic Intellectual Tradition reaches across all disciplines, professions and contemporary issues,” said Dr. Michelle Loris, Catholic Studies Director.
The Human Journey Colloquia aim to engage any of the four big
questions: What does it mean to be human and what is my relationship with God?, What does it mean to live a life of meaning and purpose?, What is my relationship with the natural world?, and What does it mean to form a more just society for the common good?
Insagram, @sacredheartuniversity
Political science students that participated in this year's "Hack the Constitution"
Instagram, @sacredheartuniversity Chapel of the Holy Spirit, where the first colloquium of this semester was held.
Hack the Consitution
BY HUNTER SANCETTA Staff Writer
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choose a topic that had an overarching effect on the American people. That’s why I went with the addition of civic education in schools as it deserves just as much emphasis as math or science,” said Yessis.
“I feel that people should be able to understand their federal government and be excited to participate in it civically,” she said.
The presentations all varied from student to student, specifically on what their end goal was.
“Looking at the other presentations, it was interesting to see how some focused on our structural changes like term limits while I was more about educating the next generation. This allowed me to gain insight into other topics and refine my own,” said Yessis.
While there were clear differences in ideology, the students remained supportive each other. Each team cheered and clapped for their fellow competitors.
“Overall, it was an amazing experience to be able to converse with other politically-driven people,” said Yessis.
Hack The Constitution was viewed as a success, invoking lots of engaging discourse between faculty and students.
“The event is also an opportunity to showcase the outstanding majors in political science and other fields, especially with regard to their civic mindedness and creativity,” said Michels.
UPCOMING EVENTS ON CAMPUS
WEDNESDAY 9/25: COFFEEHOUSE
SATURDAY 9/28:
Big Red Wants You to Vote
BY SAMANTHA MADIGAN Staff Writer
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organizations emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming election. President Dr. John Petillo is encouraging students to go out and vote.
“It is critical for you to vote as it is a chance to influence issues and decisions that directly affect your lives,” said Petillo. “You should make sure you are registered and vote every year, but the current election encompasses issues that will directly impact your lives. These [issues] include education policies, student loans, climate change and more.”
Sophomore Alexa Gardner said that she feels comfortable sharing her beliefs at SHU. “It is easy to share my beliefs at a school where people prioritize their relationships over contradicting opinions and want to hear what you have to say” she said.
However, not all students feel the atmosphere is welcoming enough for them to speak up.
“I could have a best friend for years but now in this political climate having different views tears people apart,” said junior Kameron O’Hara.
Petillo feels that it is vital for SHU students to be connected to the community that will be their home for the next four years.
“We are a part of the surrounding communities. There are things that happen in local elections that could impact you. It’s important to learn about what those issues are. As a student body, your collective voice is incredibly powerful,” said Petillo.
BY ALANNA PARRILLO Staff Writer CONTINUED
“We are all spending around four years in Fairfield, no matter where you are from. Students should want to be a part of what’s happening in our community,” said Brower. “I want students to realize they need to educate themselves on which candidate will improve our lives and the country as a whole.”
Through Pioneer Vote and registration drives, Sacred Heart continues to encourage civic engagement. Though not everyone feels they can share their opinions freely without judgment on campus, Pioneer Vote is trying to spread the word that no one can take your voice away at the polls.
“The Pioneer Journey calls for challenging conversations about important issues, the celebration and discussion of new ideas, while respecting the dignity of others. I hope you all will get out there on November 5 and exercise your right to vote,” said Petillo.
What Is A Colloquium Anyway?
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The series has been a reoccurrence at SHU since the Human Journey Seminars: Great Books in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition were founded and offered as SHU’s CIT 201 and CIT 202 courses.
All students at SHU are required to take these courses as part of the university’s general curriculum. Some professors on campus incorporate the series into their curriculums for the semester.
“After attending Colloquia, I ask students to reflect on how the presentations uniquely connect to their lives. Then, students share their connections with the class to start seminar discussion,” said Professor Elizabeth Nsadha, who teaches CIT courses at SHU.
“Together we relate this to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, readings we have covered, and current events,” Nsadha said.
On Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. the series will kick off for the semester with a colloquium entitled “The Youth Vote.” In the following weeks, the series will hold “The Synod: What Happened? What Didn’t Happen? What’s Next” on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. and on Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. a “Learn to Intern” Colloquia will be held.
During the spring 2024 semester, some outstanding colloqium events included “Taylor Swift, Gender, and the Media” and “This is My Jail.”
“Taylor Swift, Gender, and the Media”
explored how gender plays a role in the public persona and media construction of Taylor Swift, while the “This is My Jail” featured a guest speaker, Melanie Newport of the University of Connecticut, who discussed race and the history of politics and incarceration in the United States.
“I’ve been to a few Colloquiums for my CIT classes and my favorite by far was the ‘Where Will SHU Take You?’ Colloquium because I was able to hear about other student’s post-grad plans and think more accordingly about my future after I graduate from SHU,” said senior Meg Taylor.
“Although I was required to go to this Colloquium as part of my CIT class, I ended up really enjoying it. Since then, I have been to quite a few and feel as though all of them have benefitted me in one way or another,” Taylor said.
In addition to its Human Journey Colloquia Series, SHU also grants students the opportunity to further their education through its Catholic Studies minor.
According to SHU’s Catholic Studies webpage, “The minor in Catholic Studies provides students not only with a broad-based interdisciplinary study of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, but also fosters the development of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and moral and ethical understanding employers seek in today’s college graduates.”
For more information regarding when and where colloquia series events are being held, visit the Pioneer Planner campus calendar at https:// sacredheart.emscloudservice.com/calendar/ MasterCalendar.aspx
Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
An event hosted by PioneerVote last year at the Loris Forum.
BY KAYLA FALLARINO-FORTE Staff Writer
63’s Gets Summer Makeover
Sacred Heart University’s 63’s dining hall went under renovation this past June. 63’s is known for its all-you-care-to-eat buffet-style setup, which now offers a new design and layout.
Construction began in mid-June, just after freshman orientation, and was completed the week before the fall 2024 semester began. The last time the dining hall was renovated was 12 years ago. Since then, the student population has grown exponentially, meaning it was time for the dining hall to receive an update.
SHU Dining Marketing Director, Danielle Bahr, said the space now offers a greater variety of dining options for students, with a new layout allowing for a more “communal” feel. 63’s will also have a promotional space for marketing opportunities as well as a new SHU celebrity chef series, where chefs get to showcase their meals.
“We added an additional salad bar, increasing options from three to four wells. We moved our soup well to be more accessible to students. We added an additional pantry inside of the seating area, offering bagels, spreads, assorted cereal and waffles,” said Bahr. “A new TV will be installed next week for students, a new seating concept for a more communal feel for students, upgraded nook area for new cooktops and cold wells to showcase our new SHU celebrity chef series or any marketing promotions.”
Bahr also said the renovations include a new allergy-conscious station, called Delicious Without, as well as a dedicated dessert area for “sweet treats.”
“We are very happy with what renovations were accomplished in a short amount of construction time. The new seating design has increased student
seating capacity, something that was very much needed,” said Bahr.
According to Bahr, the renovations have received positive feedback from students, faculty and staff alike.
Sophomore Juliana Strippoli said the updated seating arrangements enhance the space and that the renovations allow the dining hall to feel more welcoming and modern.
“I do love the new set up of 63’s and the new tables, and I love how the couches are now replaced with high-top tables. It makes the room way more up to date. The new color scheme is also way more modernized and inviting,” said Strippoli.
Sophomore Averi Wurst, a member of the SHU cheerleading team, said that after practice the thing she “looks forward to most” is a sweet treat and some chit-chat at 63’s with her team.
“There is no better way to spend a post-practice than bonding with my fellow teammates and sitting at either the booths or high-top tables and catching up,” said Wurst. “We spend hours there sitting, talking, and completing our schoolwork.”
Sophomore Maria Esposito said the new layout and upgraded “sweet treat station” help to attract more students, like herself, to eat at 63’s.
“The new renovations have made the room look cleaner and modernized. I love the new breakfast set up in the dining room. After dinner, I love going to the sweet treat station,” said Esposito. “I have gone to 63’s way more this semester compared to my freshman year. I am excited to continue to see what the new renovations at 63’s will bring this year to campus.”
Sara Haseney contributed to this article.
When Life Gives You Lemons, the Lemon Club Gives Back
BY MOIRA STAPLES Features Editor
This fall, a new club has started at Sacred Heart University. The Lemon Club is a student-run organization that partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to raise money for childhood cancer research.
According to the organization’s website, ALSF began when, at four years old, Alex Shaw started a lemonade stand. Shortly before her first birthday, Shaw had been diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer called Neuroblastoma. After years of treatment, in 2000, Shaw decided that when she was out of the hospital, she would start a lemonade stand to raise money for kids like her. Until her passing in 2004, Shaw had raised over $1 million for cancer research. Since then, her parents took over, and ALSF is now the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the United States.
“Childhood cancer is obviously a big thing, but only four percent of funding goes towards it from the government,” said SHU Lemon Club Vice President
Hayanna Silva. “Obviously we are very grateful for the four percent, but it is truly not enough.”
ALSF’s main focus is on clinical trials and research, essentially finding less harmful treatments, besides radiation, for cancer. They also emphasize the importance of supporting families during these unimaginable times. According to their website, ALSF has helped support nearly 30,000 families through programs like Travel For Care, helping cover costs so families can access the treatments their children desperately need.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and SHU’s Lemon Club is participating in ALSF’s 12th Annual Million Mile fundraiser. The Million Mile is a month-long challenge where teams record how many miles they walk, run, bike, etc., and collect donations from pledges and supporters. The SHU Lemon Club has already surpassed its goal, raising just over $1,000 for childhood cancer research.
In addition to their participation in the Million Mile, the club plans to make cards and bracelets for kids in local hospitals and honor Alex’s memory with lemonade stands on campus. In the future, the club hopes to host other fundraising events on campus as well.
“We have a lot of freedom in what fundraising events we can do,” said Silva. “We have a lot of ideas, but being new, it is hard to get everything into place and our ideas are quite large. We are trying really hard and have a bunch of stuff that we are working on.”
Silva has been fundraising for cancer her whole life, growing up in and out of the hospital herself. She explained that while the money is necessary, it is equally important that the group brings awareness to childhood cancer and help those who are affected.
“It is hard to see it and hard to hear about it, but it’s even harder to live it. It affects everyone,” said Silva. “They are not just treating cancer, they are treating the child too.”
Meetings are held every other Wednesday at 8 p.m. in HC223, and all are welcome and encouraged to join. To stay updated with the Lemon Club, follow them on Instagram @shu_lemonclub.
Skylar Amirault contributed to this article.
Daniel Greene, Staff Photographer Sacred Heart students enjoying dinner in the renovated 63's, sitting at new tables and chairs.
Daniel Greene, Staff Photographer
Sacred Heart students utilizing the salad bar at the newly renovated 63's dining hall.
Instagram, @shu_lemonclub
Sophomore Hayanna Silva, junior Angelina Katrivanos, and senior Nicole Case hosting the SHU Lemon Club's Lemonade Stand
CampusLife
Matt Oestreicher: The Maestro of the Community Theatre
BY COLLIN MOURA Campus Life Editor
Matt Oestreicher, executive director of the Sacred Heart Community Theatre, is creating a hub for creativity and entertainment at the university.
A Fairfield native, Oestreicher spent his childhood watching movies at the theatre’s downtown location on 1420 Post Rd.
“I grew up in Fairfield. I took classes at Sacred Heart when I was in high school. My theatre to see movies as a kid was either the Trumbull mall or the community theatre, as it was known at the time,” said Oestreicher.
The SHU Community Theatre has been an integral piece of Fairfield for over 100 years. First opened as a vaudeville house in 1920, the theatre was renovated and reopened through a joint effort by Sacred Heart University and Kleban Properties in May 2019.
It now serves as a local hub for film screenings and live entertainment, offering events for students and local residents alike.
“The theatre was always part of my life and an important place for me,” said Oestreicher. When Sacred Heart made the bold move to restore it and give it a whole new life, I had just moved back to Fairfield and got very interested.”
Oestreicher became the director of the theatre in 2021, bringing his vast industry expertise and local knowledge to the role.
As an impresario, producer and musician, his career has spanned a multitude of genres, both on stage as a performer and behind the scenes as a producer.
broadcast from a different planet.
“I got to work with will.i.am from the Black-Eyed Peas on a song that was played when the Mars rover landed. We were hired by NASA to create this song. When the Mars rover landed, it played to NASA and it played on Mars as well,” said Oestreicher. “It’s nice to be a small part of those cool moments and collaborations.”
Oestreicher has been a consistent presence at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, working as a keyboardist/guitarist/arranger for the internationally acclaimed Wednesday night show, Amateur Night at the Apollo. Established in 1934, the weekly event is widely known for its status as America’s longest running talent show.
He said, “Through the Apollo, I’ve met Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx. It’s a real beacon, particularly of the African American tradition, which is a lot of the American musical tradition. From jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald who came through there to Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, James Brown, it goes on and on. It’s shaped my view of what music can be.”
The theatre’s impact on worldwide pop culture is immense, playing a major role in the development of jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul and hip hop. It stands as the largest performing arts venue dedicated to Black culture and creativity, becoming the first cultural institution to ever receive a Kennedy Center honors award this July.
He began his journey in Boston, attending Tufts University and the New England Conservatory of Music for dual degrees in liberal arts and music.
“New England Conservatory was a great hub for musicians. People would come there to recruit,” said Oestreicher. “My first job was playing on a cruise ship all around Mexico and Hawaii. I was travelling the world and getting paid for it. I said, this is a great opportunity, I’m going to follow it.”
Follow it he certainly has. He has since worked on Broadway and appeared on TV shows such as The Today Show, The Macy’s Parade on NBC, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and the Wendy Williams Show.
Oestreicher has also performed on a number of globally recognized tours, including Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour and Weezer/Blink 182’s reunion tour.
In 2018, he was awarded a “Man of Vision” honor by Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network for his non-profit work empowering young artists from diverse backgrounds.
One of his most memorable moments came on Aug. 28, 2012, when the Curiosity rover played the will.i.am single “Reach for the Stars” via radio transmission on Mars. This was the first song in history to be
“Every week I go there, I can’t believe I’m there. A lot of what we do there, I try to bring in small ways to the SHU Community Theatre in Fairfield,” said Oestreicher.
In 2022, he brought Joseph Gray, the Apollo’s opening act and head of stage for over 30 years, onto the Sacred Heart team.
“The staff at the theatre is stocked with industry professionals, people with long careers in the arts, and I think that’s what’s made the theatre able to do the 200 events a year we do now,” he said.
With 13 different series currently running, the theatre presents everything from brand new blockbuster movies to classic rock concerts. They take pride in their diversity of events offered, bringing in performers and films from all over the world. The 500-seat theatre is open Monday through Sunday and provides countless opportunities for students looking to get involved.
“I want the students to know that all movies are free for students. Our business is in collaborating and creating communities. When students reach out to us, they want to check out a show, they want to come in and work with us, they want to see how things work, we love that and try to make it work with every student that reaches out,” said Oestreicher. “We hope to be an artistic beacon for the community.”
Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University
Matt Oestreicher pictured onstage at the SHU Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield.
BY EMMA RICOTTA Assistant Campus Life Editor
So Julia! Fashion on Campus
Even though “Brat summer” has come to a close, that doesn’t mean students have given up fashion on campus. From Charli XCX’s song “360,” “So Julia” emphasizes fashion, trends, and more. Check out what students below are wearing for some inspiration in your daily wardrobe!
Arts & Entertainment
Day in the Life of a Performing Arts Student
BY JENNA REYNOLDS Staff Writer
At Sacred Heart University (SHU), the Performing Arts Program comprises four cohorts: theatre, dance, band, and orchestra and choir.
As full-time students, participants in the Performing Arts Programs must learn how to balance their academic lives with their extracurricular activities in order to excel in both.
How does a full-time student with performing arts extracurriculars manage their time while doing the things they love?
Junior Derek Coady is the Band and Orchestra Orientation Leader and Vice President of Service for Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band/orchestra service fraternity. Coady is a computer science and mathematics double major, Classroom Learning Assistant and member of the SHU Innovate Club.
Coady dedicates several hours a day, two to four days a week, to band and orchestra responsibilities depending on the weekly rehearsal and game schedule.
“There are times where I can feel overwhelmed, but I have minimized that greatly,” said Coady.
He makes sure to dedicate time to friends and relaxation to minimize potential burnout. His key to maintaining balance is using his calendar.
“It gives me an outlet to visually see everything. It makes it very easy to manage what can look like too much at times,” said Coady.
Busy schedule and all, Coady emphasized the program’s impact.
“The experiences I have had has helped me grow into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for what the program has done for me,” said Coady.
Theatre Arts Program (TAP) President and senior Juliana Balzano dedicates every day to TAP but also makes sure to tend to her academics.
“I focus on my classes first and once those end, I venture into the theatre world,” said Balzano. “There are times that I feel overwhelmed but when that happens, I make sure to take a couple steps back to make sure I am taking care of myself.”
Out of class, Balzano is either doing homework, preparing for shows or at her work-study job, with rehearsals taking up most nights. Balzano’s work-study is assisting Jerry Goehring, Executive Director of Performing Arts.
“I make sure that I have time for
self-care. From 10 o’clock onwards, I make sure not to do anything TAPrelated so I can wind down,” said Balzano.
Balzano said, without hesitation, that she would never start over without being involved.
“I met my best friends and my housemates through TAP. I have had really great leadership opportunities that will benefit me for years to come in my professional life,” said Balzano.
Orchestra President Eileen Duffy is a member of the Gospel Choir and the Irish Dance Ensemble along with being an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi.
“There is not a day that goes by where you will not see me in the performing arts wing at least once, let alone multiple times,” said Duffy.
“I find the balance within the workload, personal life, and the performing arts program lies solely in the fact that I sincerely love what I do,” said Duffy. “The more you love what you do, the more you learn to love the challenge of balance.”
Senior Katie Zimmer is a member of two professional tracks of the Dance Company, SHU Mo(ve)ment and Inception Dance Crew. She also is a member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, Pre-PT club, exercise science club and babysits for local families in Fairfield. On most days, she has dance rehearsals for at least five hours.
“I made my Broadway debut in ‘Matilda the Musical’ when I was thirteen. Because of this passion, I am driven to take advantage of all the dance program has to offer and involve myself in everything I can,” said Zimmer.
Zimmer balances her workload by making sure to dedicate any free time she has to completing her schoolwork and “decompressing.”
“Even with the most commitment, there is still time to dedicate to myself, my family, my friends and my academics,” says Zimmer. “Having a busy schedule fuels me to be more productive in my free time and has me always looking forward to something whether it be to see my friends at rehearsal or to perform on stage at a show.”
Similar to her peers, Zimmer spoke highly of the impact of the performing arts program.
“I would never second guess my decision about being in the dance program,” Zimmer said. “I have met my best friends here and developed connections with other classmates and choreographers that have shaped me into the person and dancer I am today.”
“Zine Culture: Communities and Continuance”
BY KAYLA HERRERA Staff Writer
On Sept. 12, a new exhibition, “Zine Culture: Communities & Continuance,” opened in the art gallery located in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibition showcases more than 35 zine publications and will be open until Oct. 28.
Visitors are encouraged not only to observe but to engage with the zines, browsing through the varying genres and connecting with the authors’ personal messages. The zines range in content and include works such as comics, think pieces, short stories, collections of drawings and political activism.
Professor Nathan Lewis, Chair of Art and Design and gallery director, was motivated to produce this exhibition for more than academic purposes. For him, the art of zine-making ties back to his experience growing up in California’s skate and BMX scene.
“Before I became a painter or an artist, one of my first creative acts was making a zine,” said Lewis. “I grew up in the BMX and skating scene in California, and some of my friends knew what a zine was. So, I sort of learned from a friend, who was really into metal and thrash, what a zine was, and we started making them.”
Zines, short for magazine, are a self-published medium popularly used within subcultures for decades. Written by one person or a small group, zines allow people in smaller circles to express and share their work as well as build community.
Prof. Luciana McClure, an adjunct professor in the Art and Design department, contributed a feminist newspring publication to the exhibition. Students from a Feminism & the Arts course she teaches at the University of Connecticut aided the piece. Over the course of a semester, McClure had her students investigate the history of decentralized publishing, which zines are a part of.
Throughout history, zines have been tied to the political landscape. Zinemaking provides a level of agency to the creator due to its self-published process.
“This is a way of voicing their frustration, creating visibility and asking for change,” said McClure.
Sacred Heart University (SHU) art student and senior Shea Sin drew inspiration for her publication from the social experiment Happy Valley Dream
Survey. The survey refers to an incident which occurred in Portland, Oregon between 2015 and 2019 in which posters began appearing on telephone poles throughout the city. According to Oregon Live, these posters stated there was a “spike in bizarre, unexplained dreams” and that the “Willamette Valley Dream Survey” was investigating.
“The zine is meant to be humorous, eerie, and slightly ominous,” said Sin. “The inspiration for most of my art is horror movies.”
Sin’s zine is just one example of the freedom enjoyed by artists who choose zines as their medium.
“I think zines are a great way to get your artwork out in the world. I also think it’s a great way to get your stories read and your voice heard,” said Sin.
Currently, the gallery mainly showcases pre-existing zines by activists, comic artists, zine-makers and a few SHU students. However, Lewis is working on another event to specifically showcase zines made by the SHU community.
“Neerzine” is the name of the next open call for students, artists, and anyone at the university interested in trying their hand at making a zine.
Neer, short for pioneer, and zine, short for magazine, is Lewis’s next attempt at spreading his passion for zine-making to students. The open call will include prompts for the artists, and submissions in the form of poetry, essays, music reviews, photos and drawings will be accepted until Oct. 1.
“So much can come from being willing to share ideas, thoughts, or opinions and being willing to put it out there,” said Lewis. “Everything I have comes from that.”
Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University
Senior Katie Zimmer (center) pictured performing with the Sacred Heart University Dance Company.
Contributed by Juliana Balzano President of the Theatre Arts Program, Juliana Balzano.
Camryn McCutcheon, Staff Photographer The Zine Culture art gallery located in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts.
Sports
Field Hockey Stays Resilient Despite Slow Start to Season
BY SEBASTIAN DEGOLIER Staff Writer
The Sacred Heart University women’s field hockey team lost their home opener in an overtime shootout against Hofstra University.
The Pioneers’ only goal was scored by freshman Jenna Baxter, with an assist from junior Jaden Ray to tie the game and lead the women into overtime. Baxter’s goal was the first of her collegiate career.
“[Baxter’s] such a positive person,” said Ray. “I love being that person that’s able to give opportunities to other players so when I was able to hit the ball and she scored I was just on top of the world.”
An undecided overtime was followed up with a shootout, where Hostrfra was able to take the game in the sixth round. This loss dropped the women’s record to 2-4, with three of the four losses being only a one-point difference.
“We lost to Drexel 2-1, we lost to Hofstra in a shootout, and we lost to Dartmouth 3-2, so we are in every single game and not getting smashed 6-0, 8-0,” said Head Coach Sydney Van Der Merwe. “At the moment, we are in a good spot going forward to where we want to be.”
Despite the losing record, senior Samantha Maresca agreed with the coach and felt confident about the start of the season.
“I don’t think losing our home opener is a reflection of the season at
BY ANDREW DAYTON Staff Writer
all,” said Maresca. “I think we took all the good things and the bad things from those games and we are going to grow from them.”
Following the shootout loss, the Pioneers have faced off against two ivy leagues, losing to both Dartmouth University on Sept. 15 and Yale University on Sept. 20.
Now at a losing record of 2-6, Maresca still believes in her team and thinks they have a good shot for the rest of the season.
“We have always been a slower start type of team, and I think that this year we feel stronger now even with our losing record than we did at the end of last season after winning a championship,” said Maresca. “We’re all very excited and really looking forward to what the team can grow into this year.”
Van Der Merwe believes the women’s resilient effort is a product of the environment the players have built within the team.
“The team is very close, they are like a little family,” said Van Der Merwe. “We lost five or six seniors last year but within them leaving, the first years have filled their void. There’s no gap.”
The Pioneers will look to rely on their team environment and try for a win in Worcester, Mass., as they take on the Holy Cross Crusaders on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.
Intramural Sports Open for Registration
According to the Sacred Heart Intramural Sports website, there are also smaller individual sporting events, such as a basketball three-point shooting contest and a hole-in-one challenge for golf.
Sacred Heart University has opened registration for intramural sports for the fall semester; students can now create teams and compete in various sports such as basketball, soccer and flag football.
Students will be able to play sports at competitive levels while forming close bonds with teammates. Alex Faccenda, Assistant Director for club sports and intramurals, is excited about students being able to get involved.
“I think intramurals can bring students together who all share a common interest in competitive sports,” said Faccenda. “It is a great opportunity to meet people and get active in sports.”
All full-time undergraduates and graduates who obtain a gym membership are eligible to participate in intramurals. A list of sports is sent out each semester on the Sacred Heart Intramural Sports website, and students can play in any of the listed sports if the league does not fill up.
Players without a team can register as free agents, and Marco Sinapi, the intramural Graduate Assistant, can place them on a team.
“Free agents find new friend groups with other students with similar interest,” said Sinapi. “All are welcome.”
Intramural games are expected to be competitive, but with good sportsmanship. Players should be having fun while competing for a common goal.
Every intramural team makes the playoffs, which are single elimination games. The winning teams of each league will receive T-shirts as a prize.
Several students are thrilled about the leagues starting up again for another consecutive year.
“I think intramurals are good,” said senior Vincenzo Scanga. “It keeps students busy and helps incoming freshmen bond with other people.”
Scanga plans to play intramural basketball and flag football, in hopes to bring a greater sense of enjoyment to his last year at SHU.
“You can make a ton of friends by playing intramural sports,” said Scanga. “It is a great way to stay active on campus.”
Senior Thomas Bellucci enjoys the sense of teamwork and collaboration that intramurals bring.
“I have countless memories playing late nights on campus field after a long day of classes, having fun and making crazy plays with some of my closest friends,” said Bellucci. “I will assuredly miss playing intramural sports.”
Intramural basketball games began on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in the gym at the Valentine Health and Recreation Center. Regular season games will be played every Wednesday night and will run until Nov. 6.
Soccer games started on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Park Avenue Field. Games are played every Thursday night, and the regular season ends on Nov. 7.
Flag football will be played in two different leagues for the semester. One league started on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and the other on Sunday, Sept. 22.
Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University’s field hockey team pictured on their Media Day located at West Campus.
Andrew Dayton, Staff Photographer
Students participating in intramural basketball at the Valentine Health and Recreation Center.
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Editorial
This Week in History:
09/25: 1789: Congress adopts 12 amendments to the Constitution and sends them to the states for approval.
1931: Barbara Walters is born.
1968: Will Smith is born.
1981: Sandra Day O’Connor is sworn in as the first female Supreme Court justice.
09/26: 1777: The British seize Philadelphia.
1960: The first televised presidential debate airs between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.
1961: Bob Dylan makes his singing debut at 19.
1969: “Abbey Road” is released. It is the Beatles’ last album.
09/27: 1920: Eight White Sox players are charged for fixing the 1919 World Series.
09/28: 1924: U.S. Army planes land in Seattle completing the first around the world flight over 175 days.
09/29: 1493: Christopher Columbus leaves Spain on his second journey to the new world.
1789: Congress votes to create a U.S. Army.
09/30: 1927: Babe Ruth hits his 60th home run.
1935: Johnny Mathis is born.
1972: Roberto Clemente hits his 3000th and final hit of his career.
10/01: 1908: The Model T is put on the market by Henry Ford. Selling for $825 each, it was the first mass-produced car on the market.
1971: Walt Disney World opens in Orlando, Florida.
1975: Muhammad Ali defeats Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match.
1982: The first compact disc is released by Sony.
